Collapsible container

Abstract

A collapsible container for transporting or storing general cargo, preferably has a pair of opposing side walls connected by hinge means to a rectangular base. Front and rear walls of similar configuration are removably joined to the base. A cover panel, removably joined to the side, front, and rear walls defines a closed container of predetermined volume. To permit the container to be reduced in volume, each side wall has a central hinge defining an upper and a lower panel adapted to be folded upon themselves and toward the interior of the container into a collapsed condition. Additionally, the front and rear walls are shaped and dimensioned to be horizontally positioned, one above the other, atop said side walls when collapsed and the cover panel horizontally positioned thereabove.

I claim: 
     
       1. A collapsible container for the transportation of general cargo, comprising: a rectangular base having a bottom panel forming a horizontal floor for said container;   a pair of opposing side walls connected by hinge means to said rectangular base, each of said walls including: a central hinge defining an upper and a lower panel of substantially equal surface area adapted to be folded upon themselves and toward the interior of said container into a collapsed condition upon said floor;   a front wall removably joined to said base;   a rear wall removably joined to said base;      said side, front, and rear walls including: a plurality of upright edges defining the thickness of each of said walls;      said side walls further including: a rabbet in each of said upright edges for receiving said front and rear walls; and,      each said front and rear walls further including: a rabbet in each of said upright edges for receiving said side walls;   a cover panel removably joined to said side, front, and rear walls defining a closed container of predetermined volume, whereby when said side walls are in a collapsed condition, said front and rear walls are shaped and dimensioned to be horizontally positioned, one above the other, thereupon, and said cover panel is shaped and dimensioned to be fitted horizontally atop said front and rear walls.     
     
     
       2. A collapsible container for the transportation of general cargo, comprising: a rectangular base having a bottom panel forming a horizontal floor for said container, said base adapted to receive the tines of a forklift;   a pair of opposing side walls connected by hinge means to said rectangular base, each of said walls including: a central hinge defining an upper and a lower panel of substantially equal surface area adapted to be folded upon themselves and toward the interior of said container into a collapsed condition upon said floor, and   a plurality of first angle metal brackets joined to said upper panel, each said bracket forming an inwardly directed flange;   a front wall removably joined to said rectangular base;   a rear wall removably joined to said base,      wherein said front and rear walls are of the same configuration and are adapted to be stacked atop said side walls when such are in a collapsed condition, each of said front and rear walls further include: a plurality of second angle metal brackets joined thereto, each said bracket forming an inwardly directed flange and extending from the bottom of said wall upward a distance substantially equal to the height of said lower panel;      said side, front, and rear walls further including: a plurality of upright edges defining the width of each of said walls;      said side walls further including: a rabbet in each of said upright edges for receiving said front and rear walls; and,      each of said front and rear walls further including: a rabbet in each of said upright edges for receiving said side walls;   a pair of opposing angle metal frames joined to said bottom panel and adapted to inhibit the movement of said front and rear walls in an outward direction;   a plurality of straps joining opposing side walls and retaining said container in a box-like configuration; and   a cover panel removably joined to said side, front, and rear walls defining a closed container of predetermined volume;      whereby, when said side walls are in a collapsed condition, said front and rear walls are shaped and dimensioned to be horizontally positioned, one above the other, thereupon, and said cover panel is similarly shaped and dimensioned to be fitted atop said front and rear walls.